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11 Day Tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage

Vacation Overview

This tour through Alaska focuses on some of the events that make Alaska so unique—the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and the Iditarod. In Fairbanks, when conditions are right, one of nature’s most breathtaking shows, the Aurora Borealis, lights up the sky. You’ve heard of it and now you have the opportunity to see it! Spend time in Fairbanks and take the scenic Alaska Railroad to Anchorage. Be sure to watch for views of Mount McKinley and wildlife—as well as other spectacular scenery—along the way.Your time in Anchorage focuses on the Iditarod, Alaska’s best-known sporting event. Meet four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his kennels and visit the Iditarod Headquarters. Enjoy the festivities at a Musher’s Banquet, see the musher’s draw for starting position in the race, and perhaps meet them for photos and autographs. You’ll get a chance to be at the ceremonial start of the race in Anchorage and at the official restart of the race in Willow, where you’ll be able to cheer on your favorite mushers as they head off into the Alaska’s wilderness on this 1,131-mile journey to Nome.You’ll also spend time at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska, located in the ski resort community of Girdwood. Here, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, taking an aerial tram ride for breathtaking views, or simply relaxing at the hotel’s spa. For a chance to see grizzly and black bears, moose, caribou, and more, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.This is a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime adventure not to missed. You’ve seen photos of the Aurora Borealis and the Iditarod race—now is your chance to see them both!

The aurora is most active late at night or early in the morning when the sky is clear and the air chilly. Viewings are scheduled from 10 pm-2 am. While the aurora is frequently seen in February and March, it is up to Mother Nature to create the special conditions in order to witness this phenomenon. Purchasing a pre-night in Fairbanks is recommended due to the late-night/early morning viewing hours required to see the aurora borealis.

DAY 1Arrive in Fairbanks

Welcome to Fairbanks, the “Golden Heart” of Alaska and gateway to Denali National Park. Late this evening, join your Local Guide and traveling companions and get your first glimpse of one of nature’s most magnificent shows—the colorful celestial arcs and waves of the aurora borealis (northern lights). When conditions are right, the aurora dances across the horizon and lights up the night sky, enchanting even Alaska’s tough ol’ “Sourdoughs” (old timers).

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Our partnership with Tourism Cares, established by the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), helps us not only show off the world's most spectacular destinations and sights, but also assist in the preservation of attractions that our travelers go to great lengths to experience.

DAY 2Fairbanks

Your morning begins at leisure. Later this afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Fairbanks that includes a visit to the MORRIS THOMPSON CULTURAL CENTER. Afterward, see the TRANS-ALASKA PIPELINE, one of the most difficult and remarkable engineering feats of modern time. This evening is another opportunity to view the amazing aurora borealis as it lights up the northern skies. (Breakfast)

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DAY 3Fairbanks–Alaska Railroad–Anchorage

Travel from Fairbanks to Talkeetna today on the world-famous Alaska Railroad. The train’s wide windows are ideal for drinking in the stunning scenery on this full-day journey that truly showcases America’s 50th state. Keep an eye out for views of Mount McKinley—Denali, as the locals call it—as well as wildlife along the way. Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to your hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)

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DAY 4Anchorage

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Anchorage. You may want to explore the historic downtown area, the Anchorage Museum, or join in some of the festivities happening throughout the city, including a winter carnival, ice-sculpting contest, a melodrama, and more. Check at your hotel’s front desk for an up-to-date list of activities. (Breakfast)

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DAY 5Anchorage–Seward–Girdwood

This morning, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions at a welcome breakfast. Then, board your motorcoach and make one of the world’s great drives as you travel along spectacularly scenic Turnagain Arm. Marvel at the dramatic views, and keep your eyes open for dall sheep, eagles, and some of Cook Inlet’s 350 beluga whales. Take a break at the ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER for the chance to see grizzly and black bears, moose, musk ox, caribou, lynx, and even a porcupine up close. In coastal Seward, visit the ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER for an in-depth look above and below the waters of Alaska. Arrive in the ski resort community of Girdwood, where you’ll spend the next two nights at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska. (Breakfast, Lunch)

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DAY 6Girdwood

Enjoy a full day at leisure—perfect for joining in a wide variety of optional activities. Maybe consider dogsledding, flightseeing, skiing, snowshoeing, or you may choose to just relax at the hotel’s spa. An included aerial TRAM ride offers breathtaking panoramas of Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers. (Breakfast)

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DAY 7Girdwood–Anchorage

Return to Anchorage and join an included tour through the historic downtown district and to Lake Hood, the world’s busiest seaplane base. Next, visit the ALASKA ZOO for a behind-the-scenes tour. This afternoon there is time to explore Anchorage on your own. You may want to visit the Anchorage Museum. Tonight, enjoy Iditarod festivities and dinner at the MUSHER’S BANQUET. Enjoy Alaska entertainment, see the mushers draw for starting positions, and have the opportunity to meet them for photos and autographs. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 8Anchorage. Excursion to Big Lake

Travel north to Big Lake and visit the home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his HAPPY TRAILS KENNELS. Hear his fascinating personal stories, including how his sons are named after Iditarod checkpoints, while viewing the grandeur Alaska has to offer along the Iditarod Trail. Then, visit IDITAROD HEADQUARTERS and see a replica of an Iditarod Trail station. This evening is at leisure back in Anchorage. Maybe do some souvenir shopping, try some fresh seafood, or sample a locally made brew. (Breakfast)

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DAY 9Anchorage. Ceremonial start of the Iditarod

This morning, head to 4th Avenue to get a great spot for the ceremonial start of the IDITAROD. Before the race starts, there’s a chance for photos and autographs with some of the mushers. Spend time cheering-on mushers from all over the world and enjoy other Iditarod festivities. Later, visit the ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER, which shares the rich heritage of Alaska’s 11 indigenous cultural groups. Tonight, reminisce over your Alaska winter adventure at a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 10Anchorage. Excursion to Willow for Official Restart of the Iditarod

Travel north today to the quaint community of Willow, which started as a mining camp when gold was discovered in 1897. Here you’ll view the official RESTART of the Iditarod. Cheer your favorite musher as they head off into the Alaska wilderness on this 1,131-mile journey to Nome and the finish line. Make sure to have your camera ready for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Breakfast)

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

SVEN AUGIMERI

Years of Experience: 21 years

Born in Switzerland, it was my childhood dream to live in America. It happened in 1983 and I started a new life in New York. As a Tour Director, I have worked in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the Canadian Rockies, the American West, and Hawaii. I like to brag about America's national parks and share stories about them so our guests will have plenty of reasons to travel with us again.

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